Bernhard Langer’s name is synonymous with golfing excellence having enjoyed a remarkable career that transcends generations.
While his achievements on the regular professional circuit are well-documented, it’s in the senior game where the German has truly left his mark.
The 65-year-old won the 2023 U.S. Senior Open earlier this month and he now holds the record for the most career titles on the PGA Tour Champions with a tally of 46 victories.
Breaking Records
The German’s recent triumph in America was also his 12th senior Major win, cementing his place even further at the top table of the sport’s very best all-time players.
“Having won more Majors on this Tour than anybody, even Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Gary Player, you name them all, that’s incredible,” said Langer after his recent win.
“Now to add one more at my age, I’m almost 66. My caddie told me the average age of the U.S. Senior Open winner is 52, and here I am at 66.”
Don’t Let Age Limit You
As Langer continues to compete at the highest level well into his 60s, his legacy in the senior game is firmly established.
He serves as an inspiration for golfers of all ages, demonstrating that age is no barrier to success. His unmatched consistency, numerous victories, and record-breaking streaks have firmly established him as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
“I’m trying to be an inspiration for the older guys and also for the younger generation be a role model,” added the two-time Masters champion. “I strongly believe that you can still get better in your 40s, 50s and maybe even 60s.
“You obviously lose strength and length off the tee and all that, but you can make up for it by having a stronger mind or better technique or better short game, which is all part of the game.”
Winning a 5th Senior Open
The upcoming challenge Langer faces at this week’s tournament is one he will no doubt be relishing.
The German returns to Royal Porthcawl, the venue for two of his four Senior Open victories in the past. It was nearly 10 years ago in 2014 when he romped to a 13 shot victory on the Welsh links.
The former world number one may still rue the time he failed to win the Open on the regular tour as he recently alluded to, but he’s more than made up for it with his performances on the senior stage. A fifth Senior Open Championship title this week would only go one step further towards putting the final touches on a truly glittering career.
But, does Langer still have plenty more in the tank? The 42-time DP World Tour winner doesn’t appear to planning to put the sticks away anytime soon.
“I have my mother that’s going to be 100 on August 4th, so I think I have good genes,” said the German. “Hopefully I’ll be around a few more years.”